Supplements can be extremely helpful in preventing Covid-19 from replicating and making you sick. However, certain supplements should actually be avoided if you have symptoms of the virus. They could make Covid-19 worse.

With Covid-19, at first the immune system fails to respond effectively to the virus, then the immune response becomes too aggressive and floods the body with cytokines. Cytokines are inflammatory molecules that can spin out of control with Covid-19. The surge of cytokines damages blood vessels and allows fluids to seep into the lungs, filling them up, making it difficult for one to breathe.

The hyperactive immune response, often referred to as a cytokine storm, causes the lungs to stop delivering oxygen to the rest of the organs, leading to respiratory failure, and in some cases death.

Researchers are working hard at finding drugs that suppress the cytokine storm. Steroids have been used to treat patients, but with mixed results—they help some and increasing the risk of death in others.

Tocilizumab (Actemra), a rheumatoid arthritis drug, is also being studied. Actemra is an IL-6 inhibitor that might help fend off the severe lung inflammation that hits some patients. With $25 million in backing from the U.S. Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), Swiss drug maker Roche will speed up Actemra’s phase 3 trial in COVID-19 patients.[i]

Meanwhile, many natural substances can be helpful, but some can actually make the virus more symptomatic and deadly.

Natural Substances and Covid-19

For the healthy, asymptomatic individual the focus should be on increasing immune defense and inhibiting viral replication. Some helpful supplements are curcumin, Pao pereira, vitamin C, quercetin, elderberry, and astragalus (may need to stop the latter two if symptomatic), which have been found to target inflammation while also reducing viral replication. Should symptoms develop, it might make sense to focus on anti-viral substances along with strategies to reduce inflammation. Supplements that you might want to avoid if symptomatic include vitamin D, modified citrus pectin, certain mushroom extracts and possibly elderberry and astragalus. (Please know that there are many different opinions on this subject, so please use your best judgement). Read on for more detail.

Protective Supplements for Covid-19 (and optimal health)

It is important to understand that the recommendations listed are not intended to be medical advice and should not be considered as a replacement for medical treatment. However, they might beneficial for relieving minor symptoms and inhibiting the progression of Covid-19. By stimulating the immune system early on and keeping inflammation in check, it may be possible to control the virus before the cytokine storm and resulting inflammation renders a person critical. Further, natural antiviral substances may inhibit the ability of Covid-19 to replicate and strengthen the body’s defenses against the virus.

For example, grapeseed extract, a rich source of polyphenols, has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties.[iii]NAC helps to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes and lung tissue. CoQ10 is immunomodulator. Sulforaphane, colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, monolaurin, and lysine have anti-viral properties that may be helpful against Covid-19.

A good multivitamin, adequate vitamin D (discontinue if symptoms present), zinc, selenium, probiotics, mushroom extracts, beta glucans (discontinue if symptoms present), vitamin C, elderberry, and astragalus will help keep the immune system strong, helping to slow down the speed at which pathogens replicate and mutate. Zinc and chaga mushroom inhibit the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread. Magnesium, fish or krill oil, vitamin E, and curcumin (turmeric) are natural anti-inflammatories.

If you have Covid-19, certain supplements could help inhibit the virus and calm the inflammatory cytokine storm. A product called Cytokine Supress offers both mung bean extract and EGCG that helps to control levels of inflammatory cytokines and balance the inflammatory response.

It is important to know that some supplements, while excellent for prevention, should be avoided if symptoms present. For example, according to Dr. Andrew Weill, Founder and Director of the Andrew Weill Center for Integrative Medicine, while vitamin D supports immune function, “it should be discontinued while symptoms are present and can be resumed upon return to health.”[ii] He says this because vitamin D can activate the inflammatory cascade which characterizes and contributes to acute symptomatic Covid-19 infection.

Weill also advises against elderberry if Covid-19 symptomatic. “Elderberry extracts may help to prevent the early stage of corona virus infections, which includes COVID-19. Elderberry contains compounds which decrease the ability of viruses to infect cells…. However, as a part of its immune supportive actions, elderberry increases immune cell release of tiny chemicals called cytokines. Specifically, elderberry increases the release of a cytokine called IL-1B which is a part of the inflammatory reaction to COVID-19 that can result in acute respiratory distress. For this reason, to minimize the possibility that elderberry could aggravate the inflammatory “cytokine storm” associated with the more severe COVID-19 infections, it is recommended to stop elderberry at the first signs of infection (fever, cough, sore throat) and/or if you test positive for the virus.”

Mushroom extracts act as immunomodulators that appear to reduce inflammation and regulate the cytokine response. On the other hand, beta glucans, lentinan, and other isolated polysaccharides such as modified citrus pectin tend to increase the inflammatory cytokine response and virulence of Covid-19 and may need to be avoided during viral infection.

Vitamin D

Elderberry and astragalus (mixed info on these two)

Beta Glucans (isolated polysaccharides)

Modified Citrus Pectin

Coriolis and Turkey Tail Mushroom

Any other supplements that activate the immune cell cytokine response

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make healthier, less-toxic choices for their healing. She emphasizes the importance of not just surviving cancer, but surviving well and reducing the risk of recurrence. Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn has written for numerous journals and publications. She was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation and the creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show. To contact Elyn, visit http://www.elynjacobs.com. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone, or in-person. Elyn does not provide online advice.

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!

Covid-19 begins and spreads like most other viruses. One person sneezes or coughs into the air and another inhales the droplets or it lands on their hands or face. Hence, the recommendation is to stay at least 6 feet away from one another, social distancing. However, that container of milk, that banana in the store—well, we just don’t know. Therefore, consistant hand washing is recommended, as well as to keep your hands off your face to limit the risk of transporting the virus though your nose, eyes, or mouth.

We are all susceptible. The virus is in every community. But many have risk factors that can make Covid-19 even more dangerous. These can include a compromised immune system (such as with those with cancer), diabetes, a history of upper respiratory issues, or high blood pressure (and the damage to the heart and blood vessels it can cause.)

How the Virus Works

Based on how similar viruses works, it seems likely that once the virus’s particles enter the body, they attach to receptors on the surface of cells. Typically, this starts in the mucus membranes of the nose and throat. Spikey proteins on the surface of the virus latch onto cell membranes. Essentially, the virus hijacks cells and starts replicating, making more copies and spreading throughout the body. Once the virus has attached enough cells, many people will develop symptoms.

Most often, a person first presents with upper respiratory symptoms. Within a few days a person might develop a dry cough, fever, sore throat, aches, and fatigue. In some cases, there is also a loss of taste and smell, and yet many will have no symptoms at all.

When the immune system recognizes the virus, it sends out cytokines to the site of infection. Cytokines are inflammatory molecules that can spin out of control with Covid-19. This inflammatory storm can cause a fever and sometimes lead to death.

Sometimes the inhaled droplets go right to the lungs. When the virus moves to the lungs, the immune system kicks in again at high gear, flooding the site with white blood cells. These secrete even more cytokines which increases the inflammation and can actually damage the lungs and make it difficult to breathe.

What distinguishes Covid-19 from other similar viruses is the frequency of pneumonia and in some cases, the abrupt onset of heart problems (sometimes leading to heart-failure). Pneumonia can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) may set in, at which point a person may need a respirator.

According to Dr. David Price, Weill Cornell Medical Center, NYC, it takes 15-30 minutes of unprotected exposure to an infected person for the virus to take hold. He commented that while Covid-19 is no doubt in every community, you can protect yourself and your family by taking realistic precautions (hand washing, social distancing, not touching your face, wearing gloves). He also said that if you do develop Covid-19, in most cases, you can self-treat at home just as you would with other viruses. You need only go to the hospital if you have shortness of breath [or heart problems]. He also commented that only 10% of people will need to go to the hospital and that only 1% would need a ventilator. [i]

What You Can Do NOW: Food is Medicine

Importantly, there are various treatment options being studied and implemented, some of which show great promise. However, in my humble opinion, it is better to prevent than to need to treat. You can significantly reduce your risk by social distancing, staying home, diligently washing your hands, and keeping your hands away from your face.

Eat a nutrient-dense diet that includes adequate protein, sprouts, and antimicrobial foods such as garlic, onions, and ginger, herbs, and spices such as oregano, rosemary, and turmeric.

Importantly, while there is currently no research on the safety of eating raw produce purchased from your local market, the recommendation for those at higher risk to wash or cook all produce before consuming. However, for those of us who love and appreciate sprouts (which really cannot be washed well), I suggest you grow your own sprouts). Fortunately, now it is easier than ever (no changing the water several times a day, just add water to the tray day one and done). Order your own sprout kit. Tender herbs can also be easily grown, indoors or out.

Fresh Herb Pot

Vitamin C supports healthy immune function and a healthy heart. At high doses, vitamin C switches from being an antioxidant to a pro-oxidant, supporting healthy heart and blood vessels. It is believed that 14-20 grams daily of vitamin C (liposomal and oral combined) may be an effective preventive dose. (Liposomal allows you to take high doses without bowel issues).

A good multivitamin, adequate vitamin D, zinc, selenium, probiotics, mushroom extracts, beta glucans, selenium, and astragalus will also help keep the immune system strong, helping to slow down the speed at which pathogens replicate and mutate. Zinc and chaga mushroom inhibit the ability of viruses to reproduce and spread. Magnesium, fish or krill oil, vitamin E, and curcumin (turmeric) are natural anti-inflammatories. Antiviral colloidal silver, olive leaf extract, monolaurin, and lysine are also quite helpful.

Another less common supplement that you need to know about is Pao pereira. Often used to target cancer cells (including cancer stem cells), Pao pereira has strong immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties, which is important to protect the lungs.

According to the Beljanski Foundation, Pao pereira may help reduce viral load of Covid-19 and block the enzyme that replicates in the genome of the virus. Their research shows that Pao pereira helps support the body’s own immune and detoxification systems to eliminate or neutralize undesirable cells. The recommended dose is 2 capsules, twice daily. Buy Pao Pereira

Another supplement, RealBuild contains short RNA fragments (primers) that support the body’s immune system against the virus. The recommendation is one dose per week. Together, Pao Pereira and RealBuild offer strong defense against the ravages of RNA viruses such as Covid-19. Buy RealBuild.

As researchers learn more and more about how Covid-19 attacks the body, we can use that information. Information is healthy, fear is not. Don’t let fear get the best of you. Eat well, take your supplements, engage in stress-lowering activities and practice other common-sense practices.

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. Elyn is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!

[Editor’s note] This post was originally published in February 2017. It has been updated and republished in March 2019

It is well known that cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and watercress contain powerful anticancer compounds. But did you know that eating their respective sprouts can supercharge the health benefits? Sprouts are high in vitamins C, A, and phytonutrients that support the immune system.

In sprout form these little three to four day old plants contain almost 100 times the level of cancer-fighting sulforaphane than the mature plants. The phytonutrients in these sprouts up-regulate antioxidant enzymes and detoxification processes which clear toxic compounds from the body. And, that is just the beginning—read on to find out how sprouts knock the socks off cancer.

What’s in a Sprout

Isothiocyanates (ITCs), such as sulforaphane, are sulfur-containing compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. They support matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity which reduces the breakdown of connective tissue within a cell that impede the expansion of existing tumors. Matrix MMP-9 plays important roles in tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Secretion of MMP-9 has been reported in various cancer types including lung, colon, and breast cancer.

ITCs also kill off cancer cells, including cancer stem cells, which is essential for combating cancer metastases. Isothiocyanates restrain certain pro-inflammatory compounds that are associated with chronic inflammation and cancer.

The ITC sulforaphane helps support the anti-inflammatory Nrf2 pathway which protects cells against oxidative and free radical activity. It supports the detoxification process by inducing Phase 2 detoxification enzymes, inhibiting the activation of pro-carcinogens, and by boosting cellular glutathione levels. Sulforaphane promotes cancer cell death and inhibits cancer cell proliferation. It also supports the immune system and in particular, increases Natural Killer Cell activity.

Sulforaphane also inhibits Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium that increases one’s risk of stomach and colorectal cancer. It is also anti-viral and has been found effective against the Epstein Barr Virus and may be helpful against Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Quercetin, another potent antioxidant highly concentrated in sprouts, is a strong anti-inflammatory and prevents tumor cell growth. It also aids in the removal of excess estrogen from the body — it stimulates liver function to detoxify estrogen and other carcinogenic agents.

Lutein is another powerful antioxidant that neutralizes cancer-causing free radicals (it is also essential for many things, including eye health, protecting against macular degeneration, and for maintaining strong eye tissue). Lutein (and zeaxanthin) may be beneficial to cardio health by preventing hardening of the arteries.

Glutathione has been labeled the ‘mother of all antioxidants” due to its incredible ability to disarm free radicals, detoxify the body, and boost the immune system.

Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts are extremely high in cancer fighting activity, particularly against lung, colon, and breast cancers. Compounds in broccoli speed up the removal of estrogen from the body, helping to suppress breast cancer. They also target cancer stem cells, the cells responsible for metastasis.

Broccoli sprouts contain a high amount of the cancer-busting and immune boosting substance sulforaphane. They are also abundant in quercetin, glutathione, beta carotene, indoles, vitamin C, lutein, glucarate, and the metabolic substance DIM, which is a natural aromatase inhibitor.

Broccoli sprouts are rich in cholesterol reducing fiber and have anti-viral and anti-ulcer activity. They are also a super source of chromium that helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.

Watercress Sprouts

Sometimes called peppergrass, watercress is delicious and pungent. It is also one of the most nutrient-dense foods known. It is rich in beta-carotene and other carotenoids, including lutein. Watercress also offers significant quercetin, EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), flavanols such a kaempferol, lycopene, indole-3 carbinol (13C), sulforaphane, as well as DIM. It is a good source of riboflavin, vitamin C, A and K, calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, and contains trace amounts of omega 3’s. Watercress is one of the best food sources of iodine for vegans.

Watercress also contains a high amount of PEITC (phenylethylisothiocyanate) which has been shown to protect DNA from damage. PEITC reduces the growth of breast cancer cells, triggers apoptosis (cancer cell death), and decreases angiogenesis. It inhibits the growth of HER2 expression as well as cancer metastasis.

PEITC (also found in some other cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli) deactivates mutant p53 in tumor cells but leaves normal p53 alone. P53 regulates cell division by keeping cells from growing and dividing too fast or in an uncontrolled way. A mutation in p53 is a permanent change in the nucleotide sequence of DNA. Loss of p53 function can be deleterious, and about 50% of all human cancers have a mutated p53 gene.

Watercress has antioxidant, antigenotoxic (the process by which chemical agents damage genetic information within a cell causing mutations), and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies show that a regular intake of watercress has been associated with protection against breast, colon, and other cancers.

Watercress and broccoli affect all stages of cancer: initiation, proliferation, and metastasis. So, what’s not to love about these sprouts? Plus, it is a lot easier to consume a handful of sprouts than it is to down a pound and a half of broccoli or an enormous plate of watercress– which, for example, is the amount it would take to get an equivalent amount of sulforaphane.

Add sprouts to your smoothies; use on sandwiches, on top of pizza, in salads, and as a garnish for soups. I make wonderful gluten-free pizza crusts using cauliflower or garbanzo bean flour, and pile the pizza high with arugula and sprouts just before serving. Yum!

Just a reminder that while eating cruciferous vegetables is a important for overall optimal health, it may support you during the COVID-19 pandemic. Choose to consume cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, radish, and kale). It is necessary to have sufficient iodine in the diet when consuming high quantities (including DIM).

Can’t find sprouts locally or worried about others handling your raw vegetables? Grow your own. You can grow your own sprouts and now it is easier than ever (no changing the water several times a day, just add water to the tray day one and done. Here is my first tray of Hamama salad green sprouts.. Next up are broccoli sprouts. Order your own Hamama sprout kit.

Curcera-SGS is an excellent supplement if you cannot find or grow broccoli sprouts.

In your everlasting good health,

Elyn

~~If you don’t know your options, you don’t have any~~

Elyn Jacobs is a breast cancer survivor and holistic cancer strategist who helps people make better, healthier, non-toxic choices. She emphasizes the critical nature of addressing the root cause of cancer and not just its presenting symptoms (such as the tumor). Elyn specializes in understanding the role of estrogen in breast cancer and debunks the myths associated. She is a Contributing Editor for The Truth About Cancer and was creator and host of the Survive and Live Well Radio Show on the Cancer Support Network. Elyn is on the Medical Advisory Board for BeatCancer.Org and is on the Advisory Board to the Radical Remission Project. Elyn was the former Executive Director of the Emerald Heart Cancer Foundation. Contact Elyn via her website. Elyn offers consults via Skype, phone or in person.

DISCLAIMER:
Elyn Jacobs does not provide medical advice. The information provided is for general information only. No online site should be used as a substitute for personal medical attention.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a recommendation to forgo medical advice and treatment. This post is not intended to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose any disease or condition. This post does not represent medical advice nor should it be considered to be medical advice or a replacement for medical advice. I encourage you to discuss this information with your integrative oncologist, naturopathic doctor, or conventional oncologist. The information provided is from my research and not to be taken as scientific evidence.

Affiliate Links Disclosure:

Some product links on some posts are affiliate links. This website is monetized in part through the use of affiliate links. This means that if you were to click on a link that is an affiliate link and purchase an item after clicking on that link, I may receive a small percentage of the sales price. I only recommend products that I love and use often. Thank you for your support!